Detection of High Altitude Aircraft Wake Vortices Using Infrared Doppler Lidar: An Assessment
Abstract
This thesis investigated the feasibility of air-to-air detection of high altitude aircraft wake vortices at long ranges using infrared Doppler lidar. The purpose of this technique is to detect otherwise stealthy aircraft. Three laser wavelengths were analyzed: 1.064, 2.091, and 9.115 microns. Analysis revealed that the spectral width of the return signal from an aircraft wake presented a good signature for detection. Based on the analysis, a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 0 db was established. Detection performance was then analyzed using signal-to-noise ratio calculations for backscatter by ambient atmospheric aerosols, jet engine exhaust soot particles, and condensation trail ice particles. Results indicated that atmospheric aerosols alone were not sufficient for detection in clean atmospheric regions. Backscatter enhancement by soot particles did, however, appear to be sufficient for detection out to 80 km. Enhancement by condensed ice particles in wake contrails provided detection well beyond 100 km in range. Interestingly, the shorter wavelength lidars did not perform as well as the 9.115 micron lidar due to degradations from shot noise, wavefront mismatch, refractive turbulence, and atmospheric extinction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230534
Entities
People
- Michael J. Estes
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology